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The module introduces the theories and principles that underpin construction project and programme management.

It provides an overview of the construction industry, past and future issues, its regulatory context and its sectors, clients and suppliers.

It explores the history of project management and an understanding of how bodies of knowledge have developed into a modern-day profession.

Students are shown the broader context of the organisation and management of construction projects by looking at the different organisational configurations and the multiplicity of roles involved in the construction of a wide range of built assets and how these organisational arrangements are used by organisations to strategically develop and deliver their asset base.

There is particular emphasis on the main influences of organisational theory to the problems of construction project and programme organising, with a focus on the transactional and relational nature of project organising. This builds on publications past and present from the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction.

Particular aspects of the construction project organising process are presented, such as legislation, health, safety and wellbeing. In addition, the students will be guided to think about the future and how macro global and national issues need to be considered for sustainable construction, starting with the UN SDG’s.

The learning material presents a mix of ideas, concepts and frameworks in construction and project management theory. Learning activities include lectures, group work, tutorials, and substantial independent study.

Module aim

The aim of the module is to provide an understanding of the key issues of project and programme management and their implications for the management and organisation of construction projects from the perspective of clients, suppliers and stakeholders.

Students are introduced to foundational concepts and notions of construction project organising and management that constitute the more specific focus of all the other modules in the programme. It covers the theoretical developments in project management, how it has developed as a professional discipline, and the different organisational forms and arrangements that have emerged. It explores the importance of people and the culture of the construction industry and its role in society now and in the future, including such issues as digitalisation, zero carbon, wellbeing and sustainability more generally.

Learning on the module involves a combination of (1) pre-class study carried out by the students independently and (2) Lecture Forums and (3) Tutorials in which the learning activities and resources perused by the students are discussed with lecturers and tutors.

Lecture Forums and Tutorials will draw on a variety of content provided to students in advance (e.g., as pre-recorded presentations, PowerPoint slides, readings). Students must peruse this material in preparation of the sessions so that they can take part in interactive discussion.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, students will be able to:

• Appraise the application of core theories and concepts from organisation and management studies and assess their application to the organisation and management of projects and programmes in construction;
• Evaluate and select project and programme organisational arrangements in construction, and make judgements on the key project roles within those arrangements;
• Interpret the influence of the construction-industry regulatory situation, such as: Health, Safety and Wellbeing; Statutory Planning Consent; Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations, etc.
• To evaluate the role of the construction industry for a more sustainable built environment and make judgements on how future project and programme organising can tackle these challenges.

Module content (topics)

1. Organisation and management theory as applied to project-based temporary organising;
2. Theories of Project Management and their application to construction;
3. The development of Professional Bodies of Knowledge and their application to construction
4. Construction Project Organising 1 - The socio- historical context;
5. Construction Project Organising 2 - The regulatory context;
6. Future Project Organising (UN SDG's, ESG & Sustainable Construction)